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Global brands unveil yachts at Dubai boat show
Three luxury yachts debuted this weekend at Dubai Harbour as part of the ongoing Dubai International Boat Show 2022. The world’s leading brands and exhibitors raced to present their nautical handiwork to this year’s crowds at the Middle East’s largest and most-popular leisure marine event.
The 28th edition of the five-day event, which got over on Sunday, saw De Antonio Yachts, a Barcelona-based boat manufacturer, and EVO Yachts, a brand from Blu Emme Yachts, reveal their latest vessels to the public for the first time at Dubai Harbour, the Middle East’s largest marina.
EVO Yachts, following the recent partnership announcement with regional dealer EVO Yachts Dubai, debuted its EVO R4 unit with unique interiors over the weekend. ‘Like something from a Transformers movie’, the Evo R4 is the newest version of the extensible yacht Evo 43, a fast 13m day-cruiser with sleek, sculpted contours and two Volvo IPS 650 engines.
EVO Yachts debut it’s EVO R4 unit at Dubai International Boat Show 2022
Speaking from the show, Marcus Giltay, Managing Director, EVO Yachts Dubai, said, “The quality of visitors to our stand has been excellent and as of now we already have three to four potential buyers, which is fantastic. Dubai is the perfect platform to launch our boats as the clientele here love technology and gadgets, but also super high quality, which describes our vessels to a tee.”
Since its launch, EVO 43’s revolutionary ‘XTension’ bulwarks have sparked wide attention, opening hydraulically in less than 30 seconds to increase usable deck space by 40% and turn the cockpit into a 25sqm terrace.
D50 Yacht launched by De Antonio Yachts
Meanwhile, De Antonio Yachts launched its D50 Open, a 50ft yacht with two, three, or four hidden outboard engines and built on the award-winning D46 Open hull. With a top speed of 50 knots and a maximum power of 1800hp, the exclusive yacht provides what De Antonio Yachts claims to be unrivalled navigation efficiency.
The yacht can be ordered with two or three rooms, one of which can be converted into a skipper cabin and has a customisable interior layout. Similarly, the interior can include two or three bathrooms, making it a great match for each owner’s needs. A 2.5-metre saltwater jacuzzi in the bow will be the envy of all.
Elsewhere, De Antonio Yachts’ D46 Cruiser, another nautical marvel, was also launched this weekend and is aimed at the most sophisticated and demanding ship owners. The D46 Cruiser is a motorboat with a spacious deck, large aft sundecks, and a large central lounge area, all of which are sheltered by a sleek retractable roof cabin that comfortably seats up to 12 people.
The yacht has a spacious interior with one, two, or three cabins and is fuelled by powerful hidden outboard engine configurations that deliver unrivalled performance with minimal maintenance.
“The Dubai International Boat Show attracts the perfect clientele for our target market,” said Ali Batterjee, Marine Division Manager at Samaco Marine & Power Sports – regional distributor for De Antonio Yachts. “We are consecutively launching the brand in three markets, Australia, United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait, so being here at the central point of the three is fantastic.”
The UAE-Oman railway project, officially known as Hafeet Rail, has reached 40 % completion, marking a major milestone in one of the region’s most ambitious transport initiatives.
Once operational, the cross-border rail line will connect Abu Dhabi with Sohar in just 1 hour and 40 minutes, while journeys from Al Ain to Sohar will take only 47 minutes.
First modern cross-border train in the region
Announced in 2023, the project is a joint venture between Oman Rail, Etihad Rail, and Mubadala.
Spanning 303km, the railway will be the first modern cross-border train in the Arab world, carrying both passengers and cargo between the UAE and Oman.
Route and speed
The line will run from the UAE’s existing rail network in Al Wathba to Sohar’s port, passing through varied terrain including deserts, valleys, and mountains alongside Jebel Hafeet.
- Train speed: up to 200 km/h
- Route length (main section): approx. 238km
- Travel time: significantly reduced between key cities
Major engineering works
The project includes:
- 2,500m of tunnels through mountainous terrain
- 21 overbridges and 39 underpasses
- Viaducts and bridges to ensure smooth, uninterrupted rail flow
These features will help maintain efficient travel across challenging landscapes.
Freight services between nations
Beyond passenger travel, Hafeet Rail is expected to create an integrated logistics network, strengthening trade and economic ties between the UAE and Oman. Freight locomotives will be used to power cargo services across the network, helping to strengthen regional logistics, trade flows, and supply chain efficiency between the two Gulf countries.
The project is valued at around $3 billion and is expected to play a major role in enhancing connectivity and economic integration across the region.
While construction is progressing across multiple locations, no official completion date has yet been announced.
His Highness Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has announced the launch of the Dubai Metro Gold Line, a major new infrastructure project set to expand the emirate’s transport network.
The 24-kilometre line, with an estimated cost of Dh 34 billion, will pass through 15 key strategic areas, serving around 1.5 million residents and connecting to 55 major real estate developments currently under construction.
Key route and connectivity
The new line will run from Al Ghubaiba in the north to Jumeirah Golf Estates, linking historic and emerging parts of the city.
- Total stations: 18
- Fully underground line
- Intersections with existing Red and Green Metro Lines
- Integration with Etihad Rail passenger stations in Meydan and Jumeirah Golf Estates
Boost to metro network
The Gold Line will increase the Dubai Metro’s overall length by 25%, significantly improving connectivity across the city.
The project is scheduled for completion on September 9, 2032.
Sheikh Mohammed said the project is part of Dubai’s ongoing ambition to become the world’s best city to live in, with continued investment in infrastructure and mobility.
The new line is expected to play a key role in reducing congestion, improving travel times, and supporting urban growth across Dubai.
Inside the UAE-Oman Hafeet Rail project now 40% complete
New Dubai Metro Gold Line to expand network by 25%
